Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation and Newcastle Art Gallery Society are pleased to announce the work selected for the Gael Davies OAM Tribute Fund – Ethel Carrick’s Flowers in a glass vase (c.1928).
Ethel Carrick is celebrated for her vibrant depictions of everyday life, and throughout the 1920s, produced a remarkable series of floral still lifes, including the luminous Flowers in a glass vase.
In a poignant connection, prior to Gael’s passing in 2025, Gael Davies and Art Gallery Director, Lauretta Morton OAM, had spoken about the possibility of acquiring another work by Carrick for the Gallery’s collection, recognising the importance of continuing to strengthen the representation of significant women artists.
The acquisition of Flowers in a glass vase is a fitting tribute. Its colour, vitality and luminosity reflect the spirit, generosity and passion that Gael brought to the arts community and to the Gallery that she championed so passionately.
The work of art is now on display in the Valerie and John Ryan Gallery 4 at Newcastle Art Gallery.
On 30 April 2026, donors to the fund together with members of Gael’s family gathered to mark the official acquisition of the work into the Gallery’s collection.
With sincere thanks to all who contributed to honouring Gael’s remarkable legacy.
CREDIT: Ethel Carrick, Flowers in a glass vase, c. 1928. Newcastle Art Gallery, Australia